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Speakers in the 5-6K$ region & their components

Hi all,

This is my 1st post here.
I'm a long time audio enthusiast and even worked in high-end audio sales for a few years a while back, but I've been out of the loop for a few years now. I'm looking now for a new pair of speakers in the 5-6K$ range to replace my current Merlin TSM. The type I'm looking for is a 2 way 6-6.5'' speaker, preferably a floorstander. I know many brands and models and went through a lot of speakers in the past, so my question is a technical one:

I'm looking only for speakers in this range which use high end componenets. which ones are there?

I've already done some research, so here are a few examples of what I mean:

Proac in its response range is using Scanspeak D2604 tweeter (48$/unit).
PMC in its "i" series - Seas 27TFFC (45$/unit).
Spendor, "A" series - Seas 29TFF/W (52$/unit).

I can go on and also bring examples of the woofers used and more speaker brands, but I think the picture is clear. These are all quality units of well acclaimed manufacturers, but are by no means high-end units. Which are?
My research brought me this far to the following (All in my price range):

Kudos audio Super 10/Super20: Seas T29CF-002 tweeter (330$/unit) + a version of Seas W18NX (196$/unit)

Marten Form Floor: Accuton C173-6-095 woofer (over 300$/unit) + a ribbon tweeter I was unable to recognize (anyone?)

Merlin VSM (as second hand only): Dynaudio D330/A tweeter (over 400$ per unit) + Scanspeak 18W/8545-01 (173$/unit).

BTW, my current Merlin TSM is using Morel MDT30 tweeter (80$/unit) + Morel MW166 woofer (124$/unit) and sounds wonderful to my taste, despite a considerable lack of bass (being a sealed- box design). 

So, given all that, does anyone have any more ideas for speakers I should consider?
roylindenfeld
inna
7,913 posts
 
No,  I can't recommend anything, it was a thought, and personally I think that's what I like for a moderate size room. What I have is not what you seek, those Vifa drivers are okay but you want the highest quality, besides these are older speakers and no longer available.
Another thought. Maybe you should check out more esoteric brands like LaHave in Canada and some Swiss and Dutch speakers, don't remember the names. Some small boutique European compamies might be offering exactly what you are looking for. Auditioning can be a problem, true, if possible at all. There is a dealer in New York City that deals in esoteric Euro brands. Take a look - High Water Sound.
shafto101
2 posts
 
Hi, I have been a music lover for many years and have had many different speakers and many amps and preamps. I guess I could be considered an audiophile and have spent decent amounts of money over the past 20 years.
Have you heard of Tyler Acoustics from Owensboro, Kentucky. Ty is a real gentleman and uses high quality drivers from Scanspeak and Seas and his crossovers are designed with the help of Danny Ritchie. He can build you speakers with your preferences. He has 2 lines that could be of interest to you. His Highland line using all Scanspeak quality drivers and his Decade SE line using all Seas drivers.
Check his website and give him a call to discuss, you will find him very helpfull and knowledgeable and his prices are quite reasonable as he sells factory direct. He has the H4's which are a 2 way design that would probably fit your needs exactly and can also make some mods. to furhter accomodate your needs.
I have purchased 4 different pairs from him and love them all and still have 3 pairs and are considering upgrading one pair to his Highland premium line.
In the past I have owned some Celestions Dittons,Sonus Faber's Concertos and Grand Pianos, Castle Winchesters, Acoustic Zen Adagios, Paradigm Reference series and Revel Studios.
In my opinion, Tylers are unbeatable at their price points and really recommend that you call him to discuss.
Best of luck,
Shafto
timlub
2,043 posts
 
To comment on deep bass with a 6.5 inch woofer... its true that moving enough air with a small driver isn't ideal for anyone who likes that impact that comes from larger woofers,  but multiple small drivers does work.  Todays designs not all must mostly are that narrow front baffle. That's why you see so many speakers today with 2, 3 or even 4 - 61/2 inch woofers in the bass section.  I built an MTM using a 6.8 Inch HiVi..(same as the early Totem Forest) This speaker was very surprising on the low end and I'd have no problem comparing it with a decent 10 inch. 
In cone area alone 2 6 1/2 inch compare with about a 8 1/2 inch woofer.
timlub
2,043 posts
 
It sounds like that you don't want a kit, but looking is free.  This is a John Krutke design. Extremely well known in builders circles.  This would be and enjoyable speaker. Seems to meet all of your criteria.

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/3-way-speaker-kits/zaph%7Caudio-sb12.3-sb-acoustics-12-dual-mi...

simao's avatar
simao
1,855 posts
 
Based on what's been written so far, I'd go with house-manufactured drivers and tweeters. Reference 3A Grand Veenas come to mind, as do Golden Ear Tritons. 

You might even be able to consider a Trenner and Friedl model. 
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